Residents protest zoning change next to communities

January 19, 2012|ELIZABETH ROBERTS Forum Publishing Group

Residents opposed to a proposed zoning change that would allow a metal shredding facility to be built within sight of their homes turned out in force for a public workshop by the Deerfield Beach City Commission earlier this month, trying to convince the parcel's owner to put something else there.

"We are trying to have a number of residents attend this meeting, both from Independence Bay and from Waterways," said Pat Donovan, president of the 821-home Independence Bay Community Association, in advance of the meeting. "We are hoping we can stop that."

At a workshop Jan. 9, those residents voiced concerns about the types of development allowed under the new designation. They talked about the impact of such development on their health, their quality of life and on the values of their homes.

Dan Mancini, who owns the parcel, pointed out that he had bought it in good faith and was working within the law to develop it accordingly.

The zoning change affects two communities in that area. Independence Bay consists of 821 homes and 1,600 residents. Nearby Waterways adds another 479 units to the mix.

Residents moved into the neatly landscaped communities knowing that they were a stone's throw from a landfill.

Southern Waste Systems/Sun Recycling Company applied to change the zoning from M-3 and M-4 to I-2 — which would allow limited heavy industrial uses. When it did, the city notified residents of a public hearing on the subject.

That hearing Dec. 6 drew residents who objected to what Donovan referred to at the time as "a metal recycling plant close to a diminutive Powerline Road Lake."

Lawyers made arguments for both sides. Donovan called on her senator, congressman, representatives and city officials for help, and the city commissioners delayed a vote.

The City Commission has set a first reading on the resulting ordinance at 7 p.m. Jan. 24. A public hearing will follow.